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The Daily Reveille Est. 1887
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Volume 128 · No. 8
lsunow.com/daily
sentences to second chances The Louisiana Parole Project is working to provide second chances to the formerly incarcerated, page 2
BY ANNA JONES @annajoneses
PHOTO COURTESY OF Andrew Hundley
NEWS
SPORTS SG hopes to alleviate post-game contraflow for Tiger Band, page 3 Students react to new tailgating policies for Greek, student organizations, page 3
ENTERTAINMENT “Sometimes, you just have to let the band play ‘Neck’,” page 9
LSU student designs personalized graduation caps, page 16
OPINION “If a ban on open bars could keep even one student from succumbing to the same dark place I have been, then it’ll be worth it,” page 23
page 2
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
COVER STORY
Juveniles get fresh start through Parole Project BY ANNA JONES @annajoneses The Louisiana Parole Project is working within the community to provide second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals. Founded by sociology senior Andrew Hundley in 2016, the non-profit organization originally provided services for juveniles with life sentences who were released on parole. The program has now expanded to assist anyone who has served over 20 years. Hundley was inspired to advocate for paroled juvenile lifers after he served his own lengthy prison sentence. Hundley was sentenced to life in prison after committing second-degree murder at the age of 16. He served 19 years before being released on parole. Until 2012, it was legal to give mandatory life sentences to juveniles for serious offenses. Since the decision in Miller v. Alabama, it has been ruled unconstitutional, and many prisoners, including Hundley, have been released on parole. Although it is still legal to give life sentences without parole to juveniles who are considered beyond rehabilitation, it is no longer the only option. “I personally recognized
there was a need for many other juvenile-lifers who wouldn’t be able to afford the legal representation to go through the parole process or the support structure that I had upon release,” Hundley said. Hundley transferred to the University after completing online credits while incarcerated. He plans to graduate in the spring with a degree in sociology and aspires to attend law school or obtain a master’s degree. Sociology was a natural choice because he wanted to remain involved in criminal justice advocacy. President of the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Parole Project and adjunct law professor Keith Nordyke stressed the importance of slowly reintroducing its clients to the modern world. “They haven’t touched a cell phone [or] a computer,” Nordyke said. “They haven’t been to Walmart [and] they haven’t set foot in a restaurant. Our job is to bring them up to speed to society.” After one of its clients is released, a staff member from the Parole Project picks them up and keeps them in residence for ten days. During that time, clients are given new clothes, connected to employment opportunities and taught current societal norms.
The first 72 hours after a prisoner is released is critical, according to the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center. Those who don’t have anyone to pick them up from prison or employment options are more likely to return to criminal behavior. The Louisiana Department of Corrections estimates 43 percent of released prisoners will return within five years. So far, none of the Parole Project’s 43 clients that have returned to prison. “Louisiana gives out life without parole sentences at an alarming rate,” Hundley said. “We throw people away and forget about them, and we don’t allow a review process after we rehabilitate people. If those Supreme Court decisions hadn’t come out, I probably would have died in prison in spite of the change in my life.” Although 30 states still allow life without parole, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Louisiana still account for two-thirds of all juvenile-lifers, and Louisiana has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country, according to the Sentencing Project. The Parole Project also seeks to change the stigma surrounding those who have been incarcerated by turning them
into productive members of society. “If you invest in these people while they’re incarcerated and continue to invest in them after they’re released, you can turn a tax burden into a taxpayer,” Hundley said. It costs thousands of dollars to keep prisoners incarcerated every year, and that number increases as prisoners age and have more medical expenses. The average prisoner costs Louisiana $17,486 a year, according to the National Institute of Corrections. The cost is even higher at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, or “Angola,” where most of the Parole Project’s clients are from, at nearly $23,000 a year. The Prison Policy Initiative states Louisiana no longer holds the title of “Prison Capital of the World,” having been surpassed this year by Oklahoma. Nordyke said although there has been substantial progress with the state’s criminal justice reform legislation, there is always room for improvement. “Let’s not punish anywhere past where we need to punish,” Nordyke said. “Punishment alone is a valid concept. But at some point it becomes too much. A life sentence is a death sentence. It’s a slow, painful death.”
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courtesy of ANDREW HUNDLEY
Andrew Hundley founded the Louisiana Parole Project in 2016 after his life sentence was parolled. The project seeks parol for juveniles serving life sentences.
The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published weekly during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, LA, 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
News
Oh no, contraflow
Cartoon by Ethan Gilberti
page 3 ACADEMICS
Students weigh in on holistic admissions debate
BY CALEB GREENE @cgreene_24
Contraflow solution potentially on the horizon for Tiger Band BY SHERIDAN WALL @slwall7 There are a few things University students love to hate, and contraflow traffic is near the top of that list. Among contraflow’s top critics are members of The Golden Band from Tigerland. After each home football game, members of the LSU Tiger Marching Band venture from Tiger Stadium to the Tiger Band Hall located across campus on Aster Street. At the Band Hall, members of the marching band, including the Golden Girls and
Color Guard, review their pregame and halftime performances. Once the videos end, these students begin their treks back to their dorms and apartments, both on and off campus. “I’ve had trouble with it probably every game,” said Golden Girl co-captain Maddie Hall. “It’s super frustrating.” However, LSU Student Givernment student senator Andrew Vaughn may provide some relief to Tiger Band members braving the mass exodus after home football games. Earlier this semester, Vaughn introduced
the preamble to a resolution that would request LSUPD and BRPD lift contraflow for students in the band, according to SGR No. 7. As a four-year Tiger Band veteran, Vaughn’s own experience with contraflow prompted him to compose the preamble to his legislation. During a previous football season, Vaughn headed toward Highland Road, but wasn’t able to turn toward campus. Instead, Vaughn said he followed contraflow traffic for more than two hours before he was able to get back on the interstate toward campus.
see CONTRAFLOW, page 8
“That was not pleasant, considering I live less than a mile away from where I left,” Vaughn said. Hall joined the Golden Girls three years ago as a freshman, and she said fighting contraflow traffic was more difficult when she lived on campus at Highland Hall. Hall now lives in an apartment complex on Brightside Drive, and it sometimes takes her about an hour to get home during contraflow due to closures on River Road. Vaughn submitted the preamble to the student senate as
Lost within the counter-punching op-eds and fiery public debate over holistic admissions are the voices and opinions of current University students. The University’s transition to a holistic admissions process relaxed decades-old minimum admission requirements of a 22 ACT score and 3.0 GPA. The University previously rejected applicants who did not meet those standards. Under holistic admissions, the University reviews an applicant’s essays, recommendation letters and extracurricular activities to determine the student’s chance of success before making the final admissions decision. The ensuing combustion of public discourse pitted LSU President F. King Alexander against Louisiana Board of Regents member Richard Lipsey. The Board of Regents announced an audit of statewide admissions practices on Sept. 26. At the LSU Student Government level, there is great support for the holistic admissions policy change. SG president Stewart Lockett said in an interview with The Daily Reveille that SG is entirely behind the policy.
see ADMISSIONS, page 8
STUDENT LIFE
LSU Students react to new tailgating regulations BY ANNA JONES @annajoneses
University students have expressed frustration with the new tailgating regulations prohibiting Greek tailgates both at the Greek houses and on the Parade Ground.Students view tailgating on the Parade Ground as a time-honored ritual that should be reestablished to provide a sense of community and promote safety among students. LSU Director of Greek Life Angela Guillory notified students on Oct. 2 that Greek Life and student organizations would be restricted from tailgating on both the Parade Ground and the fraternity houses for the remainder of the 2018 football season.
The policy change was due to Lofton Security Service being unable to provide security on game days. On Oct. 5, it was announced that students can register tailgates at locations other than the fraternity houses and the Parade Ground with University officials five days in advance. Any alcohol present must comply with the University’s alcohol policies, and tailgates will be supervised by LSUPD. However, students may not be satisfied with this option. Psychology freshman Gabie Dufrene said it is a safety issue. “I think the Parade Ground is the safest because everybody’s together in the same place,” Degrene said. “Now that we’re spread out all over the place it’s more dangerous.”
Dufrene is a new member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She also said she feels as if the University was being unfairly biased against Greek organizations. Political science senior and president of Delta Chi fraternity Kaleb Harmon said the new regulations lead to more unsafe alternatives. “These new tailgating restrictions are just going to make things more dangerous for LSU students,” Harmon said. “It’s not going to stop drinking or partying. It’s just going to push things underground and cause them to use hard liquor or hard substances to make up for it.”
see TAILGATING, page 8
MITCHELL SCAGLIONE / The Daily Reveille
An LSU fraternity puts up a banner before the LSU-Southeastrern game on Saturday, Sept. 8.
The Daily Reveille
page 4
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
ACADEMICS
Landscape architecture undergrad program ranked No. 1 in nation BY MATTHEW BENNETT @mcbennett4 The LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture has been ranked the top undergraduate landscape architecture program in the country by DesignIntelligence. The graduate program was ranked fifth, and landscape architecture professor Max Conrad has been recognized as the nation’s “most admired professor” in the field. The undergraduate program received a top ranking for the fourth consecutive year, beating Cornell University, Penn State University, the University of Georgia and Ohio State University in the top five. Conrad said the program’s success is due to the work of the late Dr. Robert “Doc” Reich, who started the school and continued to build
it over the years. Conrad credited Reich for convincing him to pursue landscape architecture when he attended the University and pushing him to continue his education, which led him to become a professor. “I called Doc the wizard of LSU because he took control of your mind,” Conrad said. “He said ‘you are going to graduate school at Harvard.’ I said, ‘I am?’ I barely had any money. I starved for four years at LSU. I barely made it, but I went to graduate school and got a job with NASA.” After working on the master planning for NASA facilities that were used to land the first man on the moon, Conrad was approached by Reich again. Conrad promised to come back to the University for one semester and teach a
landscape architecture class to assist Reich’s understaffed faculty. Conrad fell in love with teaching and has continued to teach at the University for 50 years. Former interim director and professor emeritus Van Cox said Conrad and the entire staff continued to help the school grow since Reich’s passing in 2010. Reich established traditions and teaching habits that still exist in the program today, such as international class trips, a week where all landscape architecture classes are cancelled to take on a professionalled design project and faculty potluck events. Cox and Conrad emphasized the importance for landscape architecture students to travel the world and visit famous architecture in person. Students recently traveled to California and Portugal.
“In design, traveling is very important,” Conrad said. “You can only learn so much from books. What we do is 3D, and a book has a little picture usually with a very biased view. That’s not actually the way it is. You have to be there to see it, smell it, feel it and see the people going throughout the places and using it.” Cox congratulated Conrad at being deemed the “most admired educator” and said that he reminded him of Reich himself. Through years of dedicated teaching and working with students, he said Conrad has built a massive collection of connections and experience. “He lives for the students,” Cox said. “He stays up and organizes field trips for our students and our alumni. He’s always available for the students if they need him. He’s also our
unofficial job-broker. He stays in touch, and people call him if they need a job or if they’re looking to hire.” Conrad said the most rewarding part of being a professor at the University was seeing all of the different jobs alumni secure. He credits Reich with laying out the philosophy for the school that has led it to being a nationally top-ranked school. “When Doc was still alive, he’d have alumni gatherings,” Conrad said. “He’d ask, ‘What on earth did we teach you in landscape architecture at LSU that allowed you to do this?’ [They’d answer], ‘You taught us how to think.’” Conrad believes that the ability to think when designing is the key to finding success. The school has a five-year undergraduate program and a two-year graduate program.
DIVERSITY
Hispanic heritage month celebrated across campus BY ANNA JONES @annajoneses
The University is partnering with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Hispanic Student Cultural Society to organize various different events in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 until Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month has been nationally recognized since 1968 and celebrates all different Hispanic and Latinx backgrounds. The festivities opened with the first of four talk series’ held each week in the African
American Cultural Center. The talk series are designed as an interactive discussion led by University faculty and student guest speakers. University graduate assistants spoke to students about the Latinx student experience. Other upcoming topics include Latinx folklore traditions and questioning one’s Latinx identity. “I want a lot of students to attend so they can see students who look like them. Representation matters,” said Diana Avile graduate assistant for Latinx Affairs. “To see that yes, you can be Latinx and have a doctorate and be very important on cam-
pus. Having students—freshman, second-year, third-year, even seniors—see that they can make it.” Elementary education and Spanish junior and president of the Hispanic Student Cultural Society Karla Rendon said she felt at home whenever she met other Latinx faculty members and students. She said the HSCS is open to all students. “I think it’s very important everyone who comes to LSU finds a community and a sense of belonging,” Rendon said. “Even though it centers around Latinx students and the Hispan-
ic culture, it is open to anyone. We have students of all backgrounds who are members and have even held executive board positions that do not identify as Latinx, but they are still passionate about the culture.” Around the World in 80 Minutes was anevent featuring food samples from different Latin American countries. Attendees had the opportunity to taste authentic dishes and to network with members of the Latinx community. “Latinx Gives Back” is a new service program providing assistance for local English as a Second Language students. “A lot of schools here have a large ESL student populations and there’s not a lot of faculty that is bilingual and can keep up with that,” Rendon said. “There are over 100 students at these schools that are ESL, and many of their parents can’t
speak English.” HSCS is still seeking volunteers and anyone who is fluent in English and Spanish is encouraged to participate. The month will conclude with the Hispanic Cultural Showcase on Oct. 12 on Tower Drive from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The showcase is one of the Office of Multicultural Affairs’ signature events and features art, poetry, musical performances and food as well as a variety of interactive activities to educate students on the history and traditions of different Latin American cultures. “In my opinion, the Latinx population is very family-centered,” Aviles said. “It’s about helping your brother and your sister. Having a taste from home, having someone to speak your own language with. When you hear your language, or you taste food from your country, it you a sense of belonging. You feel at home. And who doesn’t want to feel at home?”
THE DAILY REVEILLE ARCHIVES
Director of Salsa Ardiente Dance Company Sarita Reyna and Jason Priddle showcase salsa dancing during event hosted by Hispanic Student Cultural Society on Sept. 28.
The Daily Reveille
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
page 5
HEALTH
Selling, exchanging of Vyvanse growing crisis on college campuses BY LAUREN BORCHERS MANSHIP SCHOOL NEWS SERVICE *Editor’s Note: the subject of this story wished not to reveal his actual name. It’s Sunday night and Jack*, a University senior, clicks his iPhone to life and glances down at the screen to check for “potential business,” as he calls it. Jack reads one congratulatory text from his mom about the LSU win the day before, but the other two texts are what he’s looking for. “Hey man, did you end up refilling your prescription last week? I’m desperate,” one text reads. Six others that weekend alone texted him requesting his Vyvanse, he said. Louisiana State Police Lt. Kevin Scott said he’s encountered many like Jack, who have never sold illegal drugs before, but sell their own prescription drugs for cash, primarily to those they know or are familiar with. “I believe students have this idea that since they aren’t illegal drugs, it’s not a big deal to sell them,” Scott said. “In reality, it’s selfish. They don’t know how a drug that they were prescribed is going to affect someone else.” Since Jack’s parents sent him to get evaluated and eventually diagnosed for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder when he was 7, he has been prescribed the highly demanded substance. Drugs like Vyvanse, Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta are a few of the amphetamines/ methylphenidates used to treat patients with hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders according to the companies’ websites. The effects have grown in popularity among people with neither diagnoses. Though the substances are designated for those who obtain a legal prescription, the effects maybe beneficial to those without doctor’s permission. These drugs used to treat ADD/ADHD are central nervous system stimulants
that target the chemicals in the brain and nerves, which contribute to impulse control and hyperactivity. The drugs’ function is to keep the brain focused and alert. For Jack, Vyvanse was essential in order to succeed in class, and if he didn’t take his medicine, it was obvious. “All I would do was want to socialize or think about what I was doing after school,” Jack said. “Pretty much anything but pay attention to what was in front of me.” On the days he took Vyvanse, there were very few, if any, barriers to his focus. However, the positive effects of the medicine have lured in consumers unlike Jack. The trend to ingest the substances has manifested itself in college campuses and other intellectually-challenging environments in people not prescribed. Assistant Director of LSU’s Health and Wellness Center KathrynSaichuksaidsheattributes the tendency for students to take study drugs to their misunderstanding and underestimating of the negative effects, such as dependency, loss of appetite and increased heart rate. Saichuk noticed the majority of students with prescriptions don’t enjoy taking it, or don’t enjoy the side effects enough to only take it when absolutely necessary, thus making it possible to sell the remainder of the pills. During his senior year of high school, Jack said he started only giving away a few of whatever he had left of his medication at the end of the month to close friends. By college, he realized he could make profit. “It’s an easy $200 during midterms and finals week,” Jack said. Concern over the trading and misuse of these prescription pills started appearing in news outlets around 2012, and conversation surrounding it has not left the media since.
Courtesy of Wikimedia
Louisiana State Police Lt. Kevin Scott said the buying and selling of prescription stimulants is “the most underrated crime on campus.”
courtesy of WIKIMEDIA
Drugs like Vyvanse are being used by college students to stay focused and alert. In the popular 2018 Netflix documentary “Take Your Pills”, experts address the widespread use of these prescription drugs as a result of nonstop competition in school and the work place. The effects of these “study drugs” creates a love affair between highly competitive individuals and achievement levels. While this tendency is prevalent across the United States, Saichuk, said she thinks the problem is worse in Louisiana. “People think if you take these drugs, you’re going to be smarter. That’s not the case,” Saichuk said. Saichuk’s statements may be reinforced by the results of LSU’s National College Health Assessment, a survey in which 92 colleges and universities participated in Spring 2017. The survey, conducted by the American College Health Association, serves to gain a current profile of health trends within a campus community. The results revealed that nearly twice the amount of students at LSU responded “yes” to using prescription stimulants without a prescription than students at University of Southern California, which is historically known to be a more prestigious college in comparison. One would expect the opposite. Students enrolled at a more competitive and challenging college, such as USC, should be tempted more to use drugs that would give them a leg up. Students who succumb to using prescription stimulants to study and complete school work become
dependent on the drugs and fail to put forth the extra effort in focusing or allowing enough time to prepare for a test or assignment, so they resort to other means. The effects of the stimulant may compensate for lack of effort. Jack said he makes between five to 10 exchanges per week, with some people requesting multiple pills. Many of the requests he receives are people with big tests in the next few days. However, an even bigger issue at the university is rooted in students thinking a self-diagnosis is sufficient. Saichuk said another finding in the NCHA survey was that LSU has a higher percentage of students that think they need Adderall, Vyvanse or other prescriptions that treat ADD/ADHD.
In addition, a higher number of university parents agreed with their student and were willing to spend money and time on getting their child a diagnosis and a prescription. In his 20 years before working for LSP, Lt. Scott worked for the LSUPD and said he thinks the buying and selling of prescription stimulants is the most “underrated crime at LSU.” “It’s hard to track down students with clean records who make exchanges over text and Venmo, where we wouldn’t look unless we had a reason,” Scott said. “We really don’t know the extent of the problem but I think we’d be shocked the amount these drugs get exchanged right under our noses.”
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Announcements
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Wednesday, October 10, 2018
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THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 Ears of corn 5 Stable dinner 9 Nose’s detection 13 Felt sick 15 Clippety-__ 16 Morning hour 17 Disney dog 18 Clock or watch 20 Pupil’s place 21 Bullring shout 23 Wore away 24 West Point student 26 Final bill 27 In __; soon 29 Christmas tree glitter 32 “Put your money __ your mouth is” 33 Glittered 35 VW followers 37 Reclines 38 Cake coating 39 “Take __”; overused conversation closer 40 Last year’s Jrs. 41 Name for 2 U.S. presidents 42 Runs fast 43 Word attached to cheer or band 45 Least risky 46 By way of 47 Driver of a large van 48 Group of fish 51 Female animal 52 Plant sci. 55 Tulane University’s location 58 Pack animal 60 __ a test; passed easily 61 Flabbergast 62 Wedding dress fabric 63 Baseball great Willie 64 New York team 65 Wagers DOWN 1 Outer garment 2 Greasy
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews
3 Dressing choice 4 __ sail; begin a voyage 5 Group of eight 6 Muhammad __ 7 Male turkey 8 Driving too fast 9 Chili dog toppers, for some 10 Perished 11 All at __; suddenly 12 Rex or Donna 14 Scribble mindlessly 19 Dried fruit 22 Actress Remick 25 Haughtiness 27 Tools with sharp points 28 Spin fast 29 Truck scale divisions 30 Make worse 31 Stringed instruments 33 Unsightly skin mark 34 That fellow 36 Gusto
10/10/18
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10/10/18
49 __-Cola 50 One of Donald Duck’s nephews 53 Leave out 54 Brown shades 56 Dined 57 Kook 59 Friendly dog, for short
The Daily Reveille
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
page 7
STUDENT LIFE
Geaux Vote aims to get students registered to vote in midterms BY TAYLOR BOURGEOIS @tbourge_
Geaux Vote, a child-organization of the Andrew Goodman Foundation’s Vote Everywhere program, is pushing for students to register to vote as the midterm elections are quickly approaching. “Our focus is getting students excited about voting,” said Zoe Williamson, president of Geaux Vote. “We do that by making voting seem fun and making students realize the importance and weight of their vote.” Williamson, a mass communication senior, had been working on combating fake news with Manship School of Mass Communication professor Len Apcar when she stumbled upon a Geaux Vote meeting and became interested after getting the chance to voice her opinions. Williamson became the third member of the student organization and became president after one member graduated and the other member, mass communication senior Rachel Campbell, became the Student Government vice president. Geaux Vote has helped register over 1,500 voters since July. “One of our big missions is not making people do any extra work to come to us,” Williamson
said. “We do that by registering people in free speech plaza, [and] we’ll have buttons, stickers and Koozies. We’ve registered people in bars like Fred’s. We don’t want registering to vote to be hard, but sometimes it can be, especially for college students. We have figured out ways to make it as easy as possible for LSU students.” Geaux Vote has made a lot of progress in the push to make student voter registration simpler. SG helped fund and launch a website with a direct registration link. Geaux Vote has had numerous events in the past and have many more planned, especially leading up to the midterm elections on Nov. 6. The organization’s big event on National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 25, which featured free t-shirts, pizza and raffles, led to nearly 500 students registering to vote. They showed up in Free Speech Plaza, Patrick F. Taylor Hall and Middleton Library. “We want to get them where they are,” Williamson said. “But registering isn’t enough. It actually isn’t anything unless you vote.” Williamson encourages students to make their voices heard. “I see a lot of students getting discouraged because in
THE DAILY REVEILLE ARCHIVES
LSU mass communication senior and Geaux Vote President Zoe Williamson sits outside the Journalism Building on April 9. She hopes to get students to register to vote in the upcoming midterm elections through Geaux Vote. states that normally go a certain party, people of that party don’t think that they need to vote because it’s going to go that way anyway, while people of the opposite party don’t vote because they believe there’s no hope,” Williamson said. “I see that, and I understand that. Maybe the national elec-
tions aren’t going to change that much if you vote, but what will change is the local elections. The reason we have TOPS right now is because state representatives were forced by their constituents to vote in favor of TOPS. They realized how important it was for students to have that scholarship.”
Geaux Vote still has more planned beyond the midterm elections next month. The University is currently split into two voting precincts based on which side of Highland Road students live on. They are working to make the University fit into a single precinct after the 2020 consensus.
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The Daily Reveille
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Wednesday, October 10, 2018
ADMISSIONS, from page 3
TAILGATING, from page 3
“Student Government supports holistic admissions because it gives opportunities to students who, in certain situations, wouldn’t have those opportunities,” Lockett said. “It doesn’t define a student to a piece of paper or test score. It makes them real.” Lockett believes the fall 2018 freshman class, the first of which to be admitted under holistic review, to be something special. He attributes every SG executive branch position being filled, for the first time in his four years on campus, to the freshman class’ participation and drive to be part of the University community. Not all University students echo the opinions of SG, however. Opponents of holistic admissions fear the relaxation of minimum admissions requirements will lead to lowered standards for the University. Marketing senior Shakti Gilotra views standardized testing scores as important and necessary tools for universities to evaluate applicants. “I think that the ACT score requirement should be there,” Gilotra said. “We have all had to submit our ACT score to meet the requirement. Our application was judged on it. It is necessary for college to take that test and score well on it.” Some freshmen appreciate the same holistic admissions process they faced last
Students sometimes elect to go to Tigerland instead of tailgating due to the restrictions. This creates a new issue of students being separated and scrambling to find transportation back to campus. Biology sophomore Mackenzie Gardiner is not affiliated with a Greek organization but still felt strongly about the new policies and agreed that students will ultimately put themselves in more danger by trying to get around the new rules. “To completely take away tailgating is extreme,” Gardiner said. “Students are going to find a way to tailgate regardless. Why not let it be on campus so no one is worried about driving or finding a ride back to campus for the game?” Gardiner also defended tailgating as a longstanding tradition that enhances the Gameday experience. “Tailgating provides students with opportunities to find new friends by having so many people come together,” Gardiner said. “I don’t understand why they can’t let us have the Parade Ground still and just don’t allow hard alcohol.” Students like Gardiner show that tailgating regulations affect the entire Gameday atmosphere and not just Greek Life. Students who have attended the University for many years or remember seeing the tailgates on the
DILYN STEWART / The Daily Reveille
LSU Student Government president and biological engineering senior Stewart Lockett speaks to students in the PMAC on Aug. 18. fall as high school seniors. Pre-physician assistant freshman Breann DeLee supports the process that allowed the University to better gain an understanding of her high school experience, as opposed to just looking at her GPA and ACT score. “I’m not against holistic admissions because, personally, I met the academic requirements,” DeLee said. “In high school I did a ton of volunteer work, so it is great that the University takes that into
consideration as well.” The public debate on holistic admissions has briefly subsided with the Louisiana Board of Regents’ audit and the announcement of the LSU Board of Supervisors’ unanimous support for holistic admissions during its Oct. 4 meeting. “It’s an alleviating feeling for me that we have waitlists of freshmen who want to be involved in Student Government,” Lockett said. “I have never seen engagement like this.”
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new business, but he’s waiting for a more crowded contraflow game day to file the rest of the legislation. Vaughn said so far this season, the band hasn’t experienced heavy contraflow traffic due to late and rainy games. However, Matthew Chauvin, a member of the drumline, said he also lives on Brightside Drive and has lived there for the past two years. After the last home game against Ole Miss, Chauvin said it took him almost two hours to get home. Hall said the band members usually don’t arrive at the Band Hall until about 30 to 45 minutes after the game and will stay to watch the video for another half of an hour.
Occasionally, the band members get lucky and leave the Band Hall right as the streets open up, but at more highprofile games, the effects of contraflow exceed the hour before band members get on the road. “It really just depends on the day how bad it’s going to be,” Hall said. “I imagine it’s probably worse for other students who get out earlier than us.” Tiger Band members meet at the indoor practice facility on game day mornings for practice, Hall said. After practice, they drive over to the Band Hall to prepare for the game. The band members have stickers on their cars that allow them to bypass some road closures and blocked off areas.
MITCHELL SCAGLIONE/ The Daily Reveille
A tiger fan sets up his grill for a day of tailgating at the Parade Ground on Sept. 8. Parade Ground when they came to games during their childhood feel like they are missing an essential element of campus culture. They may also feel excluded from something that students in previous years were able to experience. Accounting freshman Logan Levatino said tailgating was one of the reasons he was most excited about coming to the University. “When coming to LSU, I was very excited about tailgating,” Levatino said. “Now that it’s not a thing, I feel lied to. It’s a tradition that’s been a part of this school for a long time. They shouldn’t be taking it away from us now.”
CHRISTA MORAN / The Daily Reveille
The Golden Band from Tigerland performs on Victory Hill before the game against Texas A&M, on Nov. 25, 2017.
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Sports
page 9 FOOTBALL
LET THE BAND PLAY “NECK”
Chemistry drives improved special teams unit
BY KENNEDI LANDRY @landryyy14
Odell Beckham Jr. was in attendance at this particular game, and he was spotted talking with the director of the Golden Band from Tigerland. Could it be? Would the students’ wildest dreams come true? As time ticked away from the game clock, familiar
Specialists have always been a breed of their own. Like pitchers on a baseball team, specialists train and practice separate from the rest of the team and are often the closest of any position group on a football team. Sophomore punter Zach Von Rosenberg, who played minor league baseball for six years, said the specialists room this year is probably the most unique and special one that he’s ever been a part of, including all his years playing baseball. Senior kicker Cole Tracy, the newest member of LSU’s revamped special teams unit, was surprised that he was so readily accepted into the family of specialists. He compares it to being the “new kid on the block,” but it felt like anything but that. The graduate transfer from Assumption College in Massachusetts arrived during the summer on June 1. By June 2, Tracy, junior punter Josh Growden and junior long snapper Blake Ferguson were at LSU’s practice facility getting reps and working on field goals. “Right when I got here, they opened up their arms,” Tracy said. “I live with Blake, so I see plenty of him. It’s probably the closest group that I’ve ever been apart
see NECK, page 11
see SPECIAL TEAMS, page 11
Column: LSU officials, band should compromise with students to play “Neck,” page 11 CAL’D UP CHRIS CALDARERA @caldarera11 It was a cool, crisp November night in 2017 as the LSU and Texas A&M football teams took the field in Tiger Stadium. The crowd was impressive
considering many were still enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday at home with their families, but there were enough empty seats in the student section to still notice a less-than-sellout attendance. These empty seats gradually became vacant sections as the Tigers began to put the finishing touches on what would be a 45-21 victory against the Aggies.
The ear-piercing noise of the fans that make the stadium famous was traded for the sound of constant murmur as the remaining students began to casually converse amongst themselves. Then, excitement began to build. Rumors swirled around the pantheon of concrete and steel as if carried by the fall breeze itself.
VOLLEYBALL
Foreman looks to make a constant impact for LSU BY MYLES KUSS @kussmyles
As the year progresses for the Tigers, one word stays consistent: tenacity. LSU, (5-11, 0-5 Southeastern Conference) has had a slow start to the year, resulting from a multitude of factors. Coach Fran Flory attributes the lack of wins to confidence, and coach Sarah Rumely said that the team needs to come out with a tenacity each and every game. Rumely mentioned that everything starts with the middle blockers. They can open up alleys for digs and finish misplaced balls by the opponents. Freshman middle blocker Whitney Foreman is already finding
ways to contribute and make her coaches’ words a reality. “I just like going out there and playing,” Foreman said. “Playing had helped me not think about being younger and simply focus on the game.” The freshman Texas-native has found her way into LSU’s lineup, despite the pressures that may come with it. Foreman’s work ethic and unselfishness keep her on the court game after game, helping the Tigers get a win. “I’ll do whatever I can for the team to succeed,” Foreman said. “As long as the team is successful, I am happy.” Being a middle blocker on a team that relies heavily on the position even further motivates
Foreman to keep her energy and confidence high. “Our job is to create lanes for hitters and diggers to make plays,” Foreman said. “Middles are doing a great job this season because we are extremely competitive and encouraging.” While the middle is doing well, there is a mental aspect that can improve all over the court. The coaches keep preaching that tenacity and confidence will win the day, and Foreman goes out and plays with those teaching in mind. As the hope of these teaching yield positive results, Foreman is not worried about the pressure or the results. She is often the
see FOREMAN, page 11
DILYN STEWART / The Daily Reveille
LSU freshman middle blocker Whitney Foreman (4) jumps to spike the ball during the Lady Tigers’ 1-3 loss in the PMAC against Duke on Aug. 31.
The Daily Reveille
page 10
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
VOLLEYBALL
LSU volleyball hopes to grow as a team, improve in SEC play BY MATTISON ALLEN @mattisonlsu
LSU volleyball’s first few conference matches have been less than ideal. LSU currently holds a 0-5 record in the Southeastern Conference, after losing in five sets to Ole Miss on Oct. 7. The Tigers started the season by dropping to Georgia, losing in straight sets to South Carolina, trailing to Florida and falling to Texas A&M, and they are in much need of a change. The Georgia game was a long, tough, five-set match ending in scores of 21-25, 32-34, 2518, 25-16, 11-15. The second set was where the team started to find their flow. It was a rigorous battle where the entire set was tied up 15 times and had eight lead changes. “That second set where we literally took them all the way to 32-34, it was a real big game changer,” said junior outside hitter Milan Stokes. “Just that fact that we hung in there so long, and we let kind of all those good emotions generate and flow into the third, fourth and fifth.” That game-changer caused LSU to win the third and fourth set to tie up the game. Coach Fran Flory said this was due to lineup changes that put people
in different positions as a way to give the Tigers more control. However, the fifth set ended in the team’s first conference loss. Two days later, LSU traveled to Columbia to play South Carolina. South Carolina is arguably the hardest SEC team LSU has played thus far. The Tigers fell in three quick sets with scores of 19-25, 22-25, 19-25. This is where the Tigers had their lowest hitting percentage. “You need a good kill to error ratio, and that’s what was struggling,” said junior setter Anna Zwiebel. The team had a 30:21 kill to error ratio against South Carolina, and a 55:23 against Georgia. They came in focused and determined, which became prominent in their win over LSU. “You could feel South Carolina’s presence as soon as they hit the court,” Stokes said. Florida was a much anticipated game because it was the SEC home opener. Even so, the Tigers couldn’t keep up and trailed the Gators with scores of 23-25, 21-25, 19-25. Stokes had a career first as the team’s leading outside hitter for this match. “I prayed, I absolutely relied on faith,” Stokes said. “I’m a little bit undersized for my position, but at the same time in my
MITCHELL SCAGLIONE / The Daily Reveille
LSU junior setter Anna Zwiebel (2) serves the ball during the Lady Tigers’ 2-3 loss against Texas A&M in the PMAC on Sept. 30. philosophy, that doesn’t matter. Size doesn’t matter. Your attack and your will power matters.” Florida was also where Zwiebel put up her second set with more than 30 assists. “Florida is a very good team,” Zwiebel said. “We played a lot better than we have been. We were connecting, I was connecting with everyone.” The Tigers put up a fair fight. To this point, the team is performing statistically, but it just doesn’t seem to be enough. LSU continued SEC play into the weekend by playing Texas A&M. This game ended in a
five-set heart breaker with scores of 26-24, 21-25, 25-20, 2325, 13-15. Stokes, however, finished with a season-high 13 kills, making it her second match in double-digits. She credits her experience from the Florida game and her faith for this accomplishment. “I believe through all things Christ Jesus strengthens me,” Stokes said, referring to a verse from Philippians in the Bible. “I think in Texas A&M, at that point we had such a good opportunity to win. We broke through in terms of fight and kind of found that level of intensity we
need to handle other people in the SEC.” Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to pull out the win. These five losses were not how LSU wanted to start its conference schedule. The team is going to have to start improving to take on their next handful of SEC games. “Good things will happen for this team, it just hasn’t happened yet,” Flory concluded. “We can’t hit the panic button because we have a lot of matches ahead of us. We have a core group that is really, really solid. We just have to play confidently.”
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LSU still trying to find consistent pass rush halfway through season BY BRANDON ADAM @badam___ LSU football coaches and players stated multiple times during the summer that sophomore outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson had a chance to break Arden Key’s single season sack record. Chaisson had one sack against Miami, but then his season ended in a blink of an eye when he tore his ACL against the Hurricanes in Dallas. The Tigers defense has combined for nine sacks in five games since they had four against Miami, and the 13 sacks on the season ranks eighth in the Southeastern Conference. Just this past week against Florida, LSU failed to sack Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks, and the Tigers are on pace to have their lowest sack total since 2014 — when they had 19 in John Chavis’ last year as defensive coordinator. The defense did hurry Franks nine times on Saturday, and pressure from junior defensive linemen Rashard Lawrence and Breiden Fehoko helped cause a third quarter interception by sophomore safety Grant Delpit.
“A couple times we did get close to the quarterback,” said junior outside linebacker Michael Divinity. “We kind of had pressure and made him throw incomplete passes, but you know, we have to get sacks because it’s going to help us on defense, and we are going to work on that this week.” Divinity is tied with Delpit for the team-lead in sacks at three, but no one else on the team has two. It’s why LSU coach Ed Orgeron unleashed junior outside linebacker Travez Moore against Florida. Moore was one of the top rated junior college players in the class of 2018 but struggled with the mental transition to SEC football the first five weeks of the season. “I thought [Moore] played very well,” Orgeron said during his Monday luncheon with the media after the 27-19 loss to Florida. “In fact he rushed the passer better than anybody. You’re going to see more of him.” Moore joins the trio of Divinity and sophomore outside linebackers Andre Anthony and Ray Thornton with being tasked to replace Chaisson, but it doesn’t
just fall on them. LSU has to do a better job up front in four-man pressure situations. Orgeron alluded to the team’s struggles there last week in the build-up to the game against Florida. The inability to get pressure with four has led defensive coordinator Dave Aranda to design different blitzes, but blitzing heavily comes with a cost, and it is not something Aranda likes do. His defensive scheme relies on disguising pressure and getting to the quarterback with a small number of players while the rest are in coverage. “We’re going to continue to try to [blitz more],” Orgeron said. “Now we didn’t have the sacks that we wanted but we went back and we had some pressures and we had some guys that had some good rushes, but it wasn’t good enough.” Aranda and his defense are going to have to find a solution fast with No. 2 Georgia coming to Baton Rouge on Oct. 13. The Bulldogs are led by sophomore quarterback Jake Fromm, who has completed 73 percent of his passes for 1200 yards, 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
The Daily Reveille
Wednesday, October 10, 2018 NECK, from page 9 notes spilled out of the band’s brass instruments. The near-empty student section burst into a roar that echoed into the Louisiana night. The song that everyone considered to be as gone as the Dodo bird was back from extinction. For the first time since 2013, the band was playing “Neck” in Tiger Stadium, thanks to some arm twisting from Beckham Jr. “Neck” has a complicated history at LSU. It was a song that was, at one time, as steeped in tradition as the “LSU Fight Song” or “Tiger Rag.” The stadium would erupt when the band played “Neck,” and the song could turn the dullest point in the game into an exciting moment. As time went on, students unfortunately decided to add their own unique lyrics to the
SPECIAL TEAMS, from page 9 closest group that I’ve ever been apart of, and I think that helps all of us. Connor [Culp] and I and Jack [Gonsoulin], we all compete and push each other every single day. That level of competition within all of us brings us up a little bit closer every single day.” That special connection has clearly translated well on the field. That chemistry, coupled with new special teams coordinator Greg McMahon, has propelled special teams to LSU’s most consistent unit. On 38 kickoffs, freshman place kicker Avery Atkins has 33 touchbacks for an average of 64 yards. Growden and Von Rosenberg share punting duties. Growden usually handles shorter distance punts, with an average of 36.5 yards per punt and a long of 47, and Von Rosenberg takes longer ones, averaging 47.3 yards per punt with a high of 65. “We spend so much time together, and we recognize things that we may or may not be do-
page 11
tune. Each time the band played the song, a chant not so safe for work would reverberate throughout the stadium and into the living rooms of families around the country tuned in for a national broadcast. Embarrassed by the vulgarity of the student section, the school decided to ban “Neck” in 2010 before attempting to revive it in 2013. This attempt to bring back tradition proved to be futile as students continued to sing their own, far-from-clean version of the song. Although many believe “Neck” is gone for good, students still plead with the band to play it and have even added their inappropriate lyrics to other songs the band plays. Recently, “Neck” has returned as a topic of popular discussion after coach Ed Orgeron was asked if he thought
the band should bring the song back. Orgeron answered diplomatically, saying that he enjoyed the song but not the lyrics, and that, at the end of the day, what the band chooses to play is none of his business. As a student, I’ve thought diligently about where I stand on the controversy, and I believe I’ve arrived at a solution that will be palatable to my peers without disqualifying myself from holding public office in the future. While it should go without saying that the improvised lyrics to “Neck” are indefensible, I, like Orgeron, love the tune of the song and think it should be played for tradition’s sake. Herein lies the compromise. Recently, students have been chastised by the school and alumni for leaving games early. Early
departure has become a serious problem across the country in college football, and there has been no legitimate solution advanced on the issue. However, LSU could give students incentive to stay until the fourth quarter by choosing one designated time in that quarter to play “Neck.” School officials could then relay that time to whichever station is broadcasting the game, so the network would know when to cut to commercial or mute the crowd microphones. This way, LSU avoids a fine and embarrassment while the band keeps a worthwhile tradition alive. Sure, it’s not a perfect solution. It’s unfortunate that kids would do something stupid like adding vulgar lyrics to a great song. I’m also sure that as my classmates look back, they’ll be a little embarrassed that they participated in the inappropriate twist of lyr-
ics. I’m also sure that every single adult has looked back on something they did as a kid, especially in their college years, and cringed a bit. It’s part of being a kid. As long as these cringe-inducing moments in our youth don’t include participating in illegal activities or harming other people, acting like a fool is synonymous with being a kid. Who knows? Maybe there will be a point in time when the student body matures sooner rather than later. A moment when the kids realize that the lyrics aren’t as humorous as they thought and reflect poorly on their university’s reputation if heard by a national audience. You don’t reach that level of adulthood by living in a bubble, though. Sometimes you have to make harmless mistakes to learn how to be a better person. Sometimes, you just have to let the band play “Neck.”
ing correctly,” Von Rosenberg said. “To the chemistry thing, when you’re with somebody for three hours of practice every single day, you’re going to pick up on things. We’ll try to help on game day or even the day before the game when we have a walk through. We have each other’s backs.” The obvious difference from the 2017 season is Tracy kicking field goals and extra points. Tracy is 12-for-14 on field goals and 20for-20 on extra points, with those two misses coming on kicks of 50plus yards. While Tracy’s leg strength and detail-oriented preparation are the biggest reasons for his success, Ferguson’s snap and Growden’s hold put Tracy in the perfect position to succeed. “I don’t ever have to think about anything besides my job, and that’s really helpful,” Tracy said. “Blake’s the best long snapper in the country, and I’ll argue that Josh is probably the best holder in the country. We have incredible chemistry.”
That chemistry did not appear completely organically. Both Growden and Ferguson said that Tracy moves a little faster than they are used to, so working out the timing was the biggest thing during the preseason. “A lot of what we do as specialists is mental,” Ferguson said. “We’ve gotten into a muscle memory type position. When you get out onto the field, you kind of have to fall back on that. When you go out there, you’ve already been through that snap-hold-kick a million times in your head before.” Both long snapping and holding are technical challenges that are different from every other position on a football field, mostly focused on repetition and technique. Ferguson and Growden have to work on long snapping and holding just as often as other positions do. The specialists hold each other and themselves to a high standard. Ferguson said when he goes out on the field for a kick, he always expects to come away with three points. “When we go out for a field goal, we’re a unit,” Ferguson said. “A lot of what goes into him making a field goal is about the operation — snap, hold and kick — so we kind of all depend on each other to hold up each other’s end of the bargain. I think we’ve done a good job of that so far and keeping the momentum rolling.”
FOREMAN, from page 9
difference by starting in the last home game and contributing two block assists. As the Tigers continue into SEC play, the team will look not to stats for inspiration but a stronger mentality to turn tough losses into gritty wins. “We just need to have the mindset that no matter what the score is that we are going to win,” Foreman said. “We need to take it personal when the other team scores on us. When we step on the court, it is me versus you, and I want to beat you.”
youngest player in the court, and looks to her teammates to make her transition smooth. “Raigen Cianciulli, despite only being a sophomore, has helped me the most,” Foreman said. “In addition to her being one of my great friends, she has been through everything before and helps me on and off the court.” Cianciulli and other older players help all freshmen feel like they can make a difference, and Foreman has made a
DILYN STEWART / The Daily Reveille
LSU freshman middle blocker Whitney Foreman (4) celebrates a play during the Lady Tigers’ 1-3 loss in the PMAC against Duke on Aug. 31.
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LSU sophomore placekicker Cole Tracy (36) kicks the ball during the Tigers’ 33-17 victory against Miami in the AdvoCare Classic on Sept. 2, in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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The Daily Reveille
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
From Books to Begonias
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
The Daily Reveille
Study inside or outside as Baton Rouge welcomes fall. The Main Library not only offers students books, movies and resources, but is also surrounded by a botanical garden that can be enjoyed as the city cools off. PHOTOS BY BELLA BIONDINI
page 15
Entertainment IF THE KAP FITS
page 16 ART
Spoken word poet vocalizes black queer identity
BY ASHLEI GOSHA @yungjemisin
showing the commissioner the finished product. They give her their vision, she shows them what to expect in a black and white sketch and then the cap is painted. “I’ve yet to have someone who is unsatisfied with their caps, whether that would be they just didn’t want to tell me or I’m just doing a good job,” Simien said. “I think that’s why it’s my favorite part — because they can finally see their vision right in front of
“Although I walk through the valleys of the frat house, I shall fear no Caucasian foolishness.” For communication studies sophomore Calvin Marquis Morris, known by stage name Kalvin Marquiz, writing his truth in poetry is not enough. He seeks to bring life to his poetry through performance by engaging with his audience and transforming his written work into a spectacle. Morris considers himself queer in all aspects of his identity, and uses magical realism in his poetry to explore topics like race, sexuality, gender identity, police brutality and other systems that harm marginalized people. He said it is his duty as a writer to make people in marginalized communities, especially black people in the South, feel they are seen and know life is worth living. “I try to talk about all the grief and all the death and all the bullshit that we face in life, but also very much delve into what other possibilities that can be had despite this grief, or in spite of this grief, or because of this grief,” Morris said. “What world can we collectively imagine that is better than this one, or what moment can we live in to bring us joy when there’s so much sorrow around us?” Morris is a performance artist. He writes poetry, performs spoken word poetry, acts, sings and writes songs. He aspired to be a
see GRAD KAP, page 21
see MORRIS, page 21
LSU student creates personalized graduation caps BY ASHLEI GOSHA @yungjemisin If you’re looking to rep social issues, show off your black girl magic or get a chuckle from a meme with your graduation cap art, Grad Kap Magic can give you exactly what you’re looking for. Graduate student Taylor Simien is a creator. She is also a part-time intern with iCare and a shift manager at McDonald’s. When Simien graduated from the University, she
decorated her own cap, and it went viral. Simien then decided in 2016 to start her company Grad Kap Magic and now decorates caps for graduates across the country. Simien said it can be stressful and challenging to keep up with her four classes, part-time internship and work. Grad Kap Magic provides her a break from this and allows her to express her artistic ability. For Simien, art is not unlike therapy. “It’s something that I can do
that isn’t mandatory,” Simien said. “I don’t have to do it. I do it because I love it, and when I paint it’s me by myself, nothing on, no TV, no music, it’s just me submersed in my own thoughts and expressing myself in the best way that I can.” Simien started off painting directly on caps, but because she gets orders from all over the country, she now uses cap toppers to simplify the process. Simien said her favorite part of the process of creating caps is
ART
Morgan Udoh puts individuality into fashion, handmade jewelry BY WHITNEY HICKS @whitchicks One local fashion mogul is going back in time to bring us the best mismatched, bright and fun styles of the ‘90s. Baton Rouge resident Morgan Udoh creates original clothing and jewelry through her brands, Eclectic Thought Catalog and Okoye Couture. Udoh has always had a passion for expressing herself through fashion. Through years of shopping at consignment stores and thrift shops, she learned the importance of having a style that expresses who you are as an individual. “When you go to the mall,
everyone’s selling the same thing, and it’s not interesting,” Udoh said. “You want something unique. You want something that no one else has, and so that was my drive.” Udoh said her appreciation of one-of-a-kind fashion led her to create her clothing brand, Eclectic Thought Catalog. Udoh runs this business on top of working a full-time job as a way to channel her creativity. Through Eclectic Thought Catalog, Udoh said she hopes to create a retailer where people can purchase clothes that are not necessarily “in style” but reflect one’s own personality. She uses bright and even odd clothing, giving shoppers the “eclectic” look the brand name promises.
“It is a bit of ‘90s nostalgia mixed with Asian Harajuku and really just anything I find interesting,” Udoh said. “Bright colors, acrylics, color blocks, patterns, anything that’s not your typical purple and gold, chevron-themed apparel.” Some of Udoh’s best inspiration comes straight from the streets of China’s iconic fashion district. Her best friend moved to China near its fashion district about a year and a half ago, which helped motivate Udoh to start her own clothing company based on similar styles. “I had her start looking at the brands in wholesale in the garment district there, and she would send
see UDOH, page 21
courtesy of MORGAN UDOH
Morgan Udoh curates individuality through clothing and her jewelry brand, Okoye Couture.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
The Daily Reveille
page 17
ALUMNI
Alumnus livens up LSU, named Mr. Apollo Baton Rouge at the University. He began dancing during his sophomore year and had the opportunity to work Dylon Hoffpauir is a wear- with Diavolo Architecture in Moer of many hats, but you might tion dance studio straight after also find him in elaborate dance college. Diavolo travels around the costumes or a cheer uniform. As the 2019 Mr. Apollo Baton country and finds talented dancRouge and Recruitment Coor- ers to train and work alongside. Hoffpauir received dinator for the a scholarship to Manship School of Mass Commu- “One of the reasons dance with them in nication, Hoff- that I love my job is Los Angeles during the summer. And pauir stays busy. because I can still transformed as a Thankfully, a busy lifestyle have time to do things dancer. He said that his most memorable isn’t unfamiliar I love” moment was getting territory to him. to dance alongside Hoffpauir Diavolo dancers in a graduated from DYLON HOFFPAUIR performance. the University MR. APOLLO Straight after his in 2014 after betraining with Diaing on the LSU cheer team for three years. He volo, he moved to Orlando to work started cheering his sophomore in entertainment at Disney World. year with little cheer experience Hoffpauir then worked with perother than being on the Erath formers as a character attendant High School cheer team for six and saw how Disney’s casting months and teaching himself how system works, which sparked his interest in possibly becoming a to tumble in his backyard. “I can’t even begin to explain casting director. “I was fascinated by the the feeling of cheering at an LSU game,” Hoffpauir said. “I can def- entire audition process and how initely say that it’s a feeling that I organized, detailed and specific the casting for characters is at will never forget.” While Hoffpauir cheered dur- Disney,” Hoffpauir said Since then, Hoffpauir moved ing his time at college, he was also busy learning for his dance minor back to Baton Rouge and began BY KELLY SWIFT @kellbell237
working for the Manship School. There, he coordinates visits for prospective students who are interested in coming to the University and recruits bright students from all over the country. This November, he will be traveling to Chicago to represent LSU in the National High School Journalism Convention. One of Hoffpauir’s goals for many years has been to get more involved in the LGBT community. This September, he was named “Mr. Apollo Baton Rouge 2019” and will spend a year working alongside his friend London Manchester, now also known as “Miss Apollo 2019” to try and make Baton Rouge Pride more prevalent. “One of the reasons that I love my job is because I can still have time to do things that I love, like becoming involved in the LGBT community,” Hoffpauir said. He will also be competing in Birmingham this November to become “Mr. National Apollo.” He will be competing against all other named Mr. Apollos in a pageant to represent the Krewe of Apollo and attend all of the Apollo Balls. “If I’ve learned one thing from auditioning so many times for so many different things, it’s that if you want something, you have to go and work hard and make it happen,” Hoffpauir said.
ALYSSA BERRY / The Daily Reveille
Mr. Apollo Baton Rouge and Recruitment Cooridator for Manship school of Mass Communication Dylon Hoffauir oved to Orlando to work in entertainment at Disney World. Hoffpauir then worked with performers as a character attendant and saw how Disney’s casting system works, which sparked his interest in possibly becoming a casting director.
MUSIC
Louisiana native expands music career after ‘American Idol’ As a prize for winning the competition, the host of Bayou Idol wrote a song for King, To some, it might be intimi- which he later titled “That’s dating to be judged on live tele- Jackson Square.” King is vision by Katy Perry, Lionel currently finishing up the muRichie and Luke Bryan but it sic video for the song, but bedidn’t faze 17-year-old Chaislyn fore she even began working on the music video, she got an Jane King. When King was 16, she heard email from a rep from “Ameria commercial for Bayou Idol, a can Idol” that seemed too good Denham Springs singing com- to be true. When King first received the petition. She called her mom immediately after and had her email asking her to interview for sign her up for the 2017 compe- “American Idol,” she thought it tition. Little did she know that was fake. After her mom closethis singing competition would ly reviewed the email, they remark the beginning of the jour- alized that it was real and King went to New Orney of a lifetime. to audition. She didn’t “It’s crazy to think leans After her auknow what she that I only started dition in New was walking into whenever she singing a little over a Orleans, she got the golden ticket stepped on stage, but she hasn’t year ago. I can’t wait and traveled to to looked back to release my music Hollywood sing in front of since. Without even realizing it, and share my passion Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and she finally began with the world.” Luke Bryan. to live out the Richie and Bryan dream she had CHAISLYN JANE KING said “yes,” but since she was a SInger Perry said that it little girl. just wasn’t King’s “I remember feeling nervous, but I was time yet. “It was so crazy and such also really enjoying it because singing is something that an honor to sing to them,” King I’ve always loved,” King said. said. “Katy said that I might not “There’s videos of me singing be the next pop star, but I don’t really want to be a pop star. I’m at 2 years old.” BY KELLY SWIFT @kellbell237
a folk singer.” King was eliminated from “American Idol” before reaching the final 24, but her experience in Hollywood and the lifelong friends made her feel like a winner, she said. King started writing music just after she came home from “American Idol.” She said she was inspired to write after the competition because she realized that if she was going to continue in her singing career, she would need to have her own songs. She has an EP that will be released sometime before the new year. “I never thought that I would be writing my own music, much less having my own EP,” King said. “It’s a dream come true.” She has been in musical theatre since she was 6, whether it was in an acting troupe or through her church. Now, after the craze from “American Idol,” you can find King working on music videos, fine tuning her EP or performing at local venues. She is set to perform at Caliente on Lee drive on November 16 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. “It’s crazy to think that I only started singing a little over a year ago,” King said. “I can’t wait to release my music and share my passion with the world.”
JUI CY
Y C I JU
$5.75 Roul Burger & Fries Special Available Mon&Wed!
3327 Highland Road (225) 383-0622 Open late on gamedays
The Daily Reveille
page 18
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
NATION L PIZZA MONTH LIT Pizza 3930 Burbank Dr. National Pizza Month is finally upon us, and there are so many places to celebrate in the Baton Rouge area. BY AMAYA LYNCH @maya09172
With a new pizza of the month, LIT Pizza makes it always pizza month. The pizza of this month is the Fig and Prosciutto featuring a house fig spread and a fresh arugula and balsamic vinegar spread. Four minutes from Tiger Stadium, LIT Pizza couldn’t be in a better spot for post-game celebrations.
Schlittz & Giggles 2355 Ferndale Ave.
Rotolo’s Craft and Crust 411 Ben Hur Road
Red Zeppelin Pizza 4395 Perkins Road
Schlittz and Giggles is a serious pizza joint, if you couldn’t tell from the name. The New York-style thin crust pizza is offered in a variety of flavors and can be paired with a hot panini or a cool wrap. With two locations in the Baton Rouge area, the Schlittz and Giggles lights brighten up the night in more ways than one.
Rotolo’s is celebrating National Pizza Month with a month-long contest to all of its customers for a chance to win free pizza for a year. For the entirety of October, Rotolo customers are offered the chance to have their pizza recipe featured on their menu no matter how crazy.
Red Zeppelin Pizza is hard to miss even on the latest of nights. The big red blimp off of Perkins Road offers specialty pizzas, calzones and zepp-wiches every day of the week along with drink specials. Partnering with the Waitr app, anyone can celebrate with Red Zeppelin Pizza, even in the comfort of their own home.
COME STUDY
with us
Rocca Pizzeria 3897 Government St. Enjoy a fresh hand-tossed pizza straight from a wood-fired oven at Rocca Pizzeria. The warm atmosphere paired with the Neapolitan-style pizza will allow for a classier Pizza Month celebration. Located 15 minutes from campus, Rocca Pizzeria offers students a spot for their late night dining needs.
California Pizza Kitchen 10001 Perkins Rowe
Stop by
DURING MIDTERMS FOR SNACKS & SUPPLIES
live-batonrouge.com
With gluten-free, vegetarian and crispy thin pizza options, the menu at California Pizza Kitchen may seem endless. Their new cauliflower crust is also an option for all of the pizzas offered on the menu. California Pizza Kitchen is an outside of the box pizza celebration.
THE DAILY REVEILLE ARCHIVES
A prosciutto pizza sits with an aperol spritz at Rocca Pizzeria on Feb. 27.
City Slice Pints and Pizza 124 W. Chimes St. The new City Slice is another place for students to celebrate National Pizza Month. They offer happy hour drink specials, game time specials and slices of the day to all that walk through their doors.
Mellow Mushroom 4250 Burbank Dr.
THE DAILY REVEILLE ARCHIVES
Employees add toppings to pizzas at Lit Pizza on March 6, 2017.
Mellow Mushroom is a familiar eating spot for many who have visited the University. Located just off of Burbank, the art-filled pizzeria chain offers a variety of pizza, hoagies and calzones to those looking for a place to mellow out and chow down.
The Daily Reveille
REV R ANKS
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
HELL FEST
Valhalla Entertainment
“Hell Fest” is an R-rated movie and is not afraid to make sure the viewers know that. If you’re someone who is easily nauseated by excessive gore or anything involving eyes, skip this movie. “Hell Fest” is graphic in its death scenes, all of which are shown on screen.
Barrow Clement @ClementBarrow
AMERICAN VANDAL
Netflix
While the crime in the first season seemed juvenile, the complexity of the crimes in the second season immediately hook you in. The Turd Burglar starts their reign of terror by putting laxatives in the school lemonade, causing a school wide “brownout” — and they do not spare the gory details.
Amaya Lynch @maya09172
IRIDESCENCE RCA Records
The album starts with “New Orleans,” which gives most of the band a chance to reintroduce themselves. The beat is very reminiscent to “SICKO MODE” in Travis Scott’s ASTROWORLD. Just like “Sicko Mode,” “New Orleans” is broken up and can be seen as multiple tracks in one.
Kelly Swift @kellbell237
‘THA CARTER V’ Young Money Entertainment
Four years later, that iconic lighter flick brought me and millions of fans back to 2008. From the start, you knew this album was going to be different. It has the same passion and fire of “Tha Carter I” through “Tha Carter IV,” but the tone appears more grown-up as Wayne is thankful for his success.
Kennedi Landry @landryyy14
Read the full reviews online at lsunow.com/daily/entertainment
page 19
‘Night School’ shows comedic rapport of Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish BY WHITNEY HICKS @whitchicks
If you’re looking for an insightful film with complex characters and sophisticated storylines, look elsewhere. If you’re browsing theater showtimes just looking for a laugh, “Night School” might just be the film for you. Tiffany Haddish and Kevin Hart make an excellent comedic duo with Hart’s naturally goofy, talk-too-much humor getting constantly shut down by Haddish’s assertive, “say it like it is” attitude. Their respective humors blend well together, and their comedic banter doesn’t feel forced. Teddy Walker (Kevin Hart) is a high school dropout and formerly successful barbecue pit salesman. In search of a new job, Teddy discovers that he must go back to night school, taught by Mrs. Carrie (Tiffany Haddish), to earn his GED and officially become a high school graduate. In night school, Teddy forms some unlikely friendships in his night school class, including a stay-at-home mother, an ex-restaurant waiter Teddy got fired, a punk girl trying to stay out of juvie and a convict attending the class via Skype. This odd assortment of characters from various backgrounds develops a comedic chemistry that flows perfectly and gives audiences the typical rag-tag group of underdogs. While trying to earn his GED, Teddy also has to deal with the high school principal and his geeky high school nemesis, Stewart (Taran Killam). Stewart has an unrealistic, 17-year-long vendetta against Teddy, which creates another conflict for the film. Teddy has to realize that he can no longer hustle his way into getting what he wants in life. He must now work hard and study harder to get a high enough grade to pass the GED. He learns persistence, determination, and most importantly, that he is not dumb. Haddish’s jokes were welldelivered and perfectly timed, carrying the film. Her natural personality and ability to
courtesty of WILL PACKER PRODUCTIONS
interpret a scene shine through in her performance, but her character could have been given more complexity and background. Haddish does the most with what she’s given and enhances her role with some killer dance moves at the high school prom. What was initially thought to be a purely goofy, comedic film, actually had some good messages throughout the plot. Teddy discovers in his night school class that he has dyslexia, dyscalculia and a couple of other learning disabilities. The film focuses on giving
people like Teddy second chances and shows how school systems should be able to cater to students with learning differences. There were a few unnecessary scenes and plot points thrown into the film for comedic purposes that could have been left out, but then again, what is a cheesy comedy film without dramatic falls, exaggerated injuries and projectile vomiting? The culmination was predictable as most of these types of films are. A rushed and anticlimactic ending left audiences invested in Teddy’s journey and success wanting more.
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Daily Reveille TheThe Daily Reveille
page 20
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
WHAT’S SPINNING AT @KLSURadio
KLSUradio
klsufm
NEW MUSIC NEW MUSIC
“The OOZ” Krule is a 23-year-old, red-headed, RATING: 5/10and violent in his language as he pushes “FOREVER” misanthropic BYKingPOPCAAN by King Krule singer-songwriter, guitarist, boundaries in what is usually a clean-cut
REVIEW BY DJ DRAGONFLY HOST OF PANGEA, SATURDAYS 9-11 AM (WORLD MUSIC)
Review by
8/10
sidewalks to screaming car crashes. In the fourth line he shouts, “Skunk and onion gravy, as my brain’s potato mash,” displaying producer, and poet hailing from London. His indie scene. Host the usElectric Carnival 11p.m.-1a.m. Swing) Mr. Soirée his quirky, unusual wit. newest album, “The OOZ,”ofshows that “The Sundays OOZ” packs an attitude that is (Electro “Cadet Limbo” is a heart-dropping numsometimes, life hurts. more sophisticated than Marshall’s previous King Krule is the primary creative outlet work. His sound mature and developed. whichgangster Marshall sings about aculture. woman, Jamaican You may know Popcaan from ing is trap stereotype suffocates aber inown of the mysterious Archy Marshall, whoGorillaz’ has The songs are more polished technically her mesmerizing to theof Forever’s neo-reggaebeauty attitude “Saturnz Barz”, billboardmajority of his and musicality, leavingcomparing also released musictopping under his2017 real name, as mesmerimpressive. small The guitar sounds are cleaner unique.deepness of outer space. He repeats, “Has romanticism and emotional filth hypnotic room for something well as Zoo Kid. Marshall has abe particularly and less messy, but hiswhere temperPopcaan has stayed had this bond?” arethis onelong hellsince of aI’ve phenomenon. It’s izer. Truth told though, Popcaan However, shines isit been strong and distinctive working-class English thebeen same. in his unmistakable vocals, and aWhateasy thesetosongs in common is a a call have Popcaan’s lyricism hails from Jamaica and has accent and uses British slang that breaks vocals since In his career, King Krule maintained deep-seated from work of intensity. art all onHis itssongs own. sprout You can whipping his electric unique take on has hip-hop R&B. through heavily in his music. King Krule’s and managed a visceral blueness that never feeling and nothing else. the late 2000s. Popcaan’s whole Such a special fusion of reg- hear these vocals in every track of sound is unique in its blending of punk, away, singing and revisiting OOZ”but is awhen beautiful, emotionallyForever, it comes to the sound is based onjazz, only onegoes debut gae isabout exactly what carries this “The hip hop, and indie musical stylings. His music emotionally sensitive subject matter. We draining, nineteen-track album in which the record and an obscure plethora of work. Even when Popcaan’s music primary cuts, a few well-composed is inspired by artistscollabs like Elvis(ranging Presley,from Fela AlunaGeorge absorb his moods feeling what of love,are loss, and anger movesand in textures, a centripetal drone ofrootssongs bumped upare to explored. “instant Kuti, J Dilla, and The Penguin Café Orchestra. he feels, whether it is anger, self-loathing, This album is an essential listen for people to Drake). It was tough to have an bare-bones rap, his high-octane classic” status when complimentHis full-length debut album “6 Feet Bedisorientation, isolation, or anxiety. interested in modern jazz and punk sounds expectation upon entry, but the Jamaican accent crafts a rich, orig- ed by his spicy voice. In “Logos,” the sixth track from “The and the melting together of the two. This is neath the Moon,” released in August 2013, “Call Me” kicks off the album, 2018 release of Forever does bring inal sound. His vocals are no shortthe soundtrack OOZ,” Marshall sings about the torment he to loneliness, staying inside attracted a lot of attention and earned him a of present, ricocheting pronunciaestablishing an emotional reach a certainly fresh serving of electroexperienced in his childhood by recounting your apartment on a Friday night, or obsescomfortable space in the indie music scene. tions around and fleshing out his and attempting some starry syn- it reggae. A generally uninterestthe care of his drunken mother. He sings, His anger, grit and despair cuts through to sively thinking about a past lover. It is real,
“She draws me in and swallows whole.” the bones of listeners, but is softened by is raw, and it is honest. These words are paired with somber guitar beautiful jazz chords -- a contrast that works and distant 8.5/10 keyboard sounds. in his favor. The words he yells are often pro- RATING: For Fans of: Mount Kimbie, Cosmo Sykes, The second track, “Dum Surfer,” evokes fane or vulgar and shock listeners; however, BADBADNOTGOOD dark and gritty imagery from vomiting on we cling and want more. King Krule is bold Kid Charlemagne Host of The Getalong, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 3-6p.m.
“IRIDESCENCE” BY BROCKHAMPTON Review by
“Urn” by Ne Obliviscaris
7/10
HEAVIEST MATTER INofTHE UNIVERSE, TUESDAY REVIEW BY DJ LEVIATHAN THE BOYSHOST AREOF THE BACK. is case-and-point that fact. derfully into11PM-1AM a much more(METAL) laid-back
klsuradio.fm
225 578 5578
UPCOMING SHOWS WEDNESDAY
08
thesis. The feeling is very spacey and highlights tracks like “Naked” and “Firm and Strong.” Unfortunately, this is all that is worth mentioning, besides perhaps “High Drive,” a duo with Louis Out that feels much like his chapters of collaboration in the past. Most of the ARIEL TRANCE rest just blurs itself PINK, out, despite his vocals, making the album mostly FARMERS, BITE MARX a wash. Walking away, Popcaan’s grimy, slitheryTIPITINA’S character(NOLA) working .M. and a thick concoction 9 of Preggae R&B fusion will resonate with you. The songs themselves may not.
nov
THURSDAY
09 nov
beat and sampling on “Honey”. All thereturns group’s album sprintsTim before it walksCharles’ “Thug Life”, role which features one ofand of these tracks are peppered with growing as both a vocalist Violinist andThe clean vocalist Charles Australian outfitIridescence, Ne Obliviscaris to fourth stualbum signifies a less im- gnarly, weird production which is as appears much more prominent the forefront of extreme metal with the tied dio album and one first ofrelease to a to play with athe bombastic opener,role“Newinstrumentalist, Dom’s mostthepersonal and touching on this particular record. Charles’ retread of “Portal I” (2012) and different from their stuff on the Satumost anticipated album of thethe year. majorreleases label, sees boys grappling Orleans”, launching usvocals into a are surreal,pressive verses, as well as the ofever-pleasing melodic soundscape as usual, andthat his violin (2014).of The bearface. compositions are exten- ration Trilogy as it is an absolute joy “Urn,” the band’s record, continues withthird both the past and thesoaring future.andwarbled will be a“Citadel” croonings Although playingofis much improved from the twotracks. previ- Thesive and but noticethere isn’t to listen toCADDYWHOMPUS, the group’s previous blending of both POPE, Indeed, it has been harsh a busy couple mainstay of the following the given albumroom hitstoadevelop, small, yet here. to witness. and clean vocals. The formerly radical feature ous releases. But, there times whenustheto allanything years for the Texas-founded musical opening trackareintroduces able,groundbreaking bump in the road with the unThis new direction of the boyTRASH LIGHT & PARTICLE Aremarkable progressive“Berlin” metal and bandthe thatheavily fails to band is not made without casualstemming from the collective ‘90s has now windssix upof bogged down bymain thesecontributing soothand become boyband.anLastalbum year,we the group’s inevitably betrays the very appeal ties, however. AsDEVOTION almost exhaustive trope within the genre. ing interludes and cleaninpassages. saw the release of three studio al- members, order of introduction:“progress” Frank Ocean-influenced “Something aforementioned, of their act. Though not as intriguing as its there are a couple However, Xenoyr does display some of “Urn’s” standout tracks, the blistering bums, the so-called Saturation Trilo- Dom McLennon, Kevin Abstract, About Him”, Merlyn’s trademark hyduds in the SPANISH MOON remains album the finest harsh vocals in just the this entire scene. the“Libera I) – Saturnine theJoba, well- andpredecessors, gy, and summer, group’s(Partbearface, MattSpheres,” Champion, peractive “Urn” flow on “Whereanthe Cashthat track-listing, and certain members 8 P .M. up manyback favorable impres- don’t always shine as brightly as Xenoyr’s performance is once again was extraor(Part I) – And WithinAmeer the Void future existence held indeveloped ques- “Urn Merlyn Wood. Despite Vann’sshould at” conjure gets everything on course. We Are Breathless” and “Urn (Part II) – As Emsions by those unfamiliar with Ne Obliviscaris’ dinary. His guttural,tion yetafter coherent growls are allegations of abuse came absence, the group’s charisma and What follows is solid track after others. Overall though, Iridescence Dance co-operation in Our Eyes),” bookend albumis aswork.solid track, whether its “Weight” is yet another great project from worthy of the adoration of his musical peers. bers out towards the now-former memwith onethe another well. present as always, particularly in this with a stand-out, heartfelt verse BROCKHAMPTON who have easMeanwhile, his shriller sounds Vann. represent a quite ber, Ameer I’m happy to say Still, there appears to be a stall in the For fans of: Opeth, Amorphis, and Enslaved. beautiful blend of black and death metal voFRIDAY that despite all this, BROCKHAMP- opening track as well as later in the from Kevin Abstract, the absolute ily cemented themselves as Amerband’s previous sonic evolution. Other than cals. TON has come out of the turmoil album on “San Marcos” and “Tonya”. banger “J’ouvert” where Joba does ica’s most fascinating, and indeed, stronger than ever, and Iridescence “New Orleans” transitions won- what Joba does best, or the funky greatest boyband.
10
WHAT WE’RE PLAYING
nov
UPCOMING SHOWS
10 OCT.
WEDNESDAY
11OCT.
THURSDAY
GIRLPOOL WITH PALM & LALA LALA SPANISH MOON 8 P.M.
12 OCT.
FRIDAY
MONDAY COLONY HOUSE Even fair-weather fans of punk know the huge influence left “Geodesy” is the debut EP by live mathtronica duo SsighCHURCHES + LO MOON MUSTACHE THE BAND the genre by hardcore legends Black Flag. This week on borggg. A joint venture between South Korea and the UnitTHE NEW RESPECTS on More Than Noise, hear rare recordings from the band’s eared States, the two members of Ssighborggg bridge their JOY THEATER VARSITY THEATRE “Everything Went Black,” released in 1982. geographic boundary by mashing together synth fueled VARSITY THEATER lyThecompilation album captures the essence of Black Flag’s early8:00 sound P.M. IDM beats with polyrhythmic math rock goodness. “Geod- 8:00 P.M. before Henry Rollins signed on to the project in ‘81. Keith esy” clocks in at just four songs, but each track is filled with 7:00 P.M.
Darren Korb is an American video game composer and songwriter best known for his work with Supergiant Games, the developers of Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre. Korb worked on Bastion with childhood friend and Supergiant Games co-founder Amir Rao. A well-received game, Bastion’s soundtrack was described by Korb to be “acoustic frontier hip-hop”. He returned 3 years later to work on Transistor where he described the music as “old-world electronic post-rock.” Korb worked with vocalist Ashley Barret on both projects to rave reviews.
DJ Quicksave
Morris’s vocal is raw, messy, and half-drunk -- three words that encapsulate the advent of SoCal hardcore.
enough progressive energy to take up an entire album by itself. The duo constantly changes gears and engages radically different compositional styles seamlessly. “Geodesy” is the perfect album to compromise the artificial anger of IDM with the unhinged carefreeness of math rock.
Taxi
DJ 5/4
13 nov
PRIMUS CIVIC THEATRE (NOLA)
The Daily Reveille
Wednesday, October 10, 2018 MORRIS, from page 16 singer-songwriter as a child, but when the dream didn’t seem achievable, his focus turned to poetry. “If poetry is my wife who I’m in a relationship with contractually, who I married because her family had money and I was poor, then music is like the love of my life who I go see on the side and I write sonnets about,” Morris said. Morris delved into poetry and writing professionally through WordCrew, a youth spoken word collective, in 2016. He performed with the group at the Delta Mouth Literary Festival last semester. Morris said his favorite thing about poetry his that he doesn’t have to use complete sentences to convey abstract thoughts, images and emotions without it being false. Spoken word allows him to talk about life in a broader, metaphorical way that speaks to the audience on a more universal scale. “I think poetry has this nice way of allowing me to be like, ‘I’ve
UDOH, from page 16 me samples and send me pictures of ideas,” Udoh said. “I’ve been working with her for over a year now picking out wholesalers over there for my brand.” Udoh advocates for individuality and self-expression through clothing and her jewelry brand, Okoye Couture. As her company
GRAD KAP, from page 16 their eyes.” Simien said she considers herself to be more of a creator than an artist, and has always been creative in many different avenues. Last semester, she created staffs for Alpha Kappa Alpha, and has participated in things like paint parties. “I have not had formal art training — I’ve never taken an art
transformed into a f**king Phoenix, and I slapped the white girl who touched my hair,’ which didn’t happen but it’s like it still has the same truth,” Morris said. “It still reveals this greater truth about what it means to be black and what the experience had provoked in me.” Morris draws inspiration for his work from all aspects of his life, ranging from going to Splash and boy problems to jokes he’s made that sounded like mantras his grandmother would whisper. “I write poems about like, making awkward eye contact with people,” Morris said. “I’m working on a poem right there that explores what it means to be black and queer, and how all our words to describe what it means to be black or dark skin are related to food and how that deals with how we are seen as something to be consumed or something that is like appetizing for white audiences.” Morris said he is closest to his friends who are supportive, give him confidence in his poetry when
he wavers and push him to be better. He said his family only gets his “happy church negro” poetry, as they are openly homophobic and he believes allowing for a healthy space between them and some of his work allows them to still be his family until they’re ready to accept him. Ultimately, Morris’ poetry is not only for others who may need it, but himself. This is evident with his poem “Dreams of Mississippi Burning” in the September edition of The Adroit Journal, which explores his complex relationship with his mother, the conflict between her expectations and sexuality, and survivor’s guilt from her miscarriages. “I’ve always seen poetry as a way for me to fully — not even embrace, but for me to understand my own identities — understand my own personhood and that was something that they could not be a part of for me to be my fullest and my best self in the truest form of myself that I needed to be,” Morris said.
gets bigger and starts attracting more customers, she wants originality to be one of the shop’s main hallmarks. Looking toward the future of her brand, Udoh said she wants to start offering “exclusive options” for certain items. These pieces of clothing will be produced in small quantities to ensure customers are buying merchandise that won’t be seen on
anyone but you. “Fashion is an expression of yourself, and if everyone is wearing the same outfits, it kind of removes the joy from shopping,” Udoh said. “Part of that joy is finding something no one else has, so I’m looking forward to launching out exclusive options where you can know when you buy that piece, it’s well-made and no one else has it.”
class or any of that,” Simien said. “It just kind of came naturally and I picked up different things, painting being the one that I go to the most, but I’m trying to dabble in different things and I would definitely love to take formal art classes in the future if time permits.” Simien’s life was chaotic when she made her first cap, she said. Her mother was laid off at the time and she was working at LSU
Dining to help out with money. She said graduation seemed like the light at the end of the tunnel. Simien said being the first grandchild to graduate from both her mom’s and dad’s sides of the family was important to her. “Just to be a black woman in today’s times — I feel like black women have it the worst, and being able to go to college, graduate from college — it’s a really big deal,” Simien said.
courtesy of TAYLOR SIMIEN
Customized graduation caps designed with personal messages and quotes are displayed.
page 21
LAUREN WATSON / The Daily Reveille
Audience members listen to a panel at the Delta Mouth literary festival on April 7 in the Women’s Center on LSU campus.
Fashion is an expression of yourself, and if everyone is wearing the same outfit, it removes the joy from shopping. MORGAN UDOH
Fashion designer
Opinion
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BIPARTISAN BLUNDER Kavanaugh appointment leaves lasting consequences
FRANKLY SPEAKING JUSTIN FRANKLIN @justinifranklin Well, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell won.Federal Judge Brett Kavanaugh has been sworn in as President Trump’s second Supreme Court justice after a 50-48 vote by a hyper-partisan U.S. Senate in Washington. Yes, conservatives will dominate the Supreme Court for years to come, but there are no winners in the vicious confirmation battle that divided the nation over the past few weeks. The Kavanaugh confirmation battle exposed some of the worst moral divides in America and forced people to choose sides based on nothing but deception and emotion. On Sept. 27, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee under the possibility of potential prosecution if found to be untruthful. She spoke her incredible, chilling story and moved the nation with her strength and bravery. Kavanaugh came after her and unequivocally denied the allegations against him. Also, he made it plain that his every move from
that point on would be in retaliation to what the liberals put him through for this seat. After we heard both testimonies, it was up to America to decide. Oh wait,no it wasn’t. Even though polls found that more people believed Ford than Kavanaugh , Republicans stuck with their unpopular nominee. The confirmation of Kavanaugh has left many people feeling ignored, especially women, and the Republicans will most likely pay for this nomination in November. That being said, I believe the issue of how we view sexual assault in the public sphere has been forever tainted, especially in regards to people in politics. Regardless of who you believe, the automatic side-taking that resulted in the public square is corrosive to democracy. We must prevent the #MeToo movement from losing its credibility and becoming a partisan weapon. It takes extreme bravery and courage for women and men to come forward with their stories. Though this case was inherently political, it metamorphosed into a nasty situation detrimental to both sides. For those who say that Democrats used this as a political ploy to obstruct the confirmation pro-
cess, I say you can definitely argue that they had something to gain from the withdrawal of Kavanaugh that could have been. To me, the Republican response was even more troubling. Some members on the right, including the president, embraced a narrative of young men being under attack. Some even go as far as to claim coming forward with sexual assault allegations that occurred before adulthood is preposterous. How crazy it is for us to expect young men to respect women at such a young age? Fords allegation forced Republicans to finally voice how they really feel about allegations of sexual assault — more than the accuser, the accused deserve due process of law. I can agree that due process of law is a must, but it has to be assured to both sides. The FBI attributes “unfounded” rapes, or those found to be false after investigation, to 8 percent of those reported. It is also important to note that U.S. Bureau of Justice statistics suggest only 35 percent of all sexual assaults are reported to police. Although it might not be their intention, Republicans leave this confirmation debacle universal on the side of the accused and
courtesy of WIKIMEDIA
The Senate voted 50-48 Saturday, October 6 to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. with a strong skepticism of any key conservative who might be accused of abusing his or her power. Frankly speaking, I believe Dr. Ford’s courage to come forward in today’s political landscape was not only brave, but heroic. Kavanaugh’s life will never be the same. Sure, he made it to the
highest court of the land, but his credibility and image has never been so low. But, that is American politics today. I guess we’ll have to see who goes the lowest. Justin Franklin is a 19-year-old political communication sophomore from Memphis, Tennessee.
LSU students should respect Tiger Band, stop demanding ‘Neck’ OH, NOT AGAIN! KYLE RICHOUX @KyleRichoux Football brings us all together. On Saturday nights, fans from all walks of life gather in Death Valley to watch our fighting Tigers give all of their might to win the fight. On those Saturday nights, the Golden Band from Tigerland is right behind them cheering the team and fans alike on to victory. The Tiger Band plays a plethora of tunes, and the student sections gets amped up. It’s an ageold relationship. In recent years, the relationship has taken an insidious turn. If you show up to any event the band plays at, you’ll hear crowds begging them to “Play Neck!” The song in question is an adaptation of Cameo’s 1984 song “Talkin’ Out the Side of Your Neck.” The student section enjoyed the song so much that they added infamous lyrics to it. The University condemns the student section’s foul behavior. In 2010, the Athletics Department prohibited the band from playing “Neck.” In 2013, the University decided to respond with positive
reinforcement rather than punishment. The Athletics Department began a “Traditions Matter” campaign to wean students off of poor behavior. The campaign took measures to encourage the students to hold themselves to a higher standard. The campaign had stadium workers pass out flyers and stickers, and the cheerleaders held up signs saying “Keep it Clean” while they performed their routines. The same year, the Athletics Department allowed the Tiger Band to play “Neck” once more. To everyone’s chagrin, the student section lacked the restraint to refrain from chanting. The campaign subsequently ended, and “Neck” more or less left the stadium with it. “Neck” isn’t the only song to fall prey to the student section’s abuse. When fans lost access to “Neck,” they found they could use the chant for a greater number of songs. One by one, those songs were banned, too. As more and more songs are forbidden, the band has to compensate by finding and learning new songs. Tiger Band members are students too, and have classwork and jobs to attend to.
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LSU fans cheer on the Tigers during the LSU Tigers’ 27-23 victory against Auburn on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017 in Tiger Stadium. Learning a song just to have it banned the next weekend is a waste of band members’ time. Some students have even taken it upon themselves to arrange new songs for the band. The student section can’t tell the difference and push the same chant on the new songs. As a result, a student who has spent hours upon hours of free
time on a work meant for the enjoyment of others could have his or her work invalidated. All that time and effort is dashed by just five words. Proclaiming vulgar chants surely seems like a harmless, fun idea in the moment. If you take a step back and look at the big picture, you’ll see its consequences.
It makes our community look bad in general, and it’s a disservice to a group who spends countless hours each week to rock the stadium on Saturday night. A little restraint can bring us a long way. Kyle Richoux is a 20-year-old sociology junior from LaPlace, Louisiana.
The Daily Reveille
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
page 23
LSU should implement dress code for respectful, tasteful attire ALLOW ME TO DIEFERENTIATE BRITANY DIEFENDERFER @back_in_a_dief The style of the average student at the University lacks respect and effort. Walking around campus, you’ll see sights ranging from students not wearing shoes to the infamous shirtless guy. The trend among the female population consists of wearing t-shirts that are three sizes too big, creating an appearance that the female is not wearing shorts. The male population sticks with t-shirts, basketball shorts and tennis shoes. The lack of effort college students make is troubling. The trend of dressing in “shacker” attire is a common joke among students. This term refers to when someone wears the shirt of someone they went home with after a night of partying. This fad is common on campus and happens often; it is even made light of
on popular social media accounts. This is disrespectful to many people, but it is especially disrespectful to the professor who received high levels of education to educate University students. The fads on campus are even transmitted to incoming freshmen who begin purchasing extremely large t-shirts and doing everything they can to not look put-together for class in an effort to fit in. These trends are even supported on social media. The University should take a step in the right direction and demand its due respect by imparting a class dress code. Students should have to dress up in order to be admitted to class. Big t-shirts are not appropriate class attire. Athletic wear should be limited and business casual attire should be required once or twice a week. The University should hold their students to a certain standard just as their future employers will. The majority of the students come from high schools that enforced strict dress codes. The
University should maintain these principles but hold them to a lesser standard. There should be guidelines regarding class attire but not restricting to the students’ individuality. The benefits of enforcing proper dressing on students are numerous. Students would feel more confident in appropriate clothing. This would allow them to participate in class more often and ultimately end in better educational results. They would show the respect they have for their classmates, professors and themselves. When one dresses nice, they present themselves respectfully and receive equal respect in return. This dress code would also encourage students to build their professional wardrobes. Most occupations require business attire and it is essential for students to learn how to dress. This requirement from the University would teach young adults how to dress and allow them to collect business clothes to build their closets for the future.
cartoon by Ethan Gilberti / The Daily Reveille
Students at the Univesity are putting no effort into their appearance and as a result, disrespecting their classmates, themselves and their professors. The trend of showing up to class with little to no effort put in one’s appearance is a lazy
epidemic that has to change. If the University enforced a dress code, the students would only benefit. Britany Diefenderfer is a 20-year-old English literature junior from Thibodaux, Louisiana.
‘Open bars’ encourage binge drinking, should be banned SMITT’S TEA
JAMES SMITH @itssmitt The term “open bar” refers to the hours when a bar serves alcoholic drinks free of charge. Free things are almost always good for a buyer, but open bars, especially college bars such as in Tigerland, are a case where sensible, ethical standards should override economics. Many Tigerland bars advertise free drinks, commonly referred to as “frinks,” during certain hours or sometimes until halftime during game days. Limited open bars place students in an environment that encourages binge drinking. The thought process becomes, “Hell yeah, free drinks, let’s drink as much as we can while we can.” Far too often have I heard classmates tell stories about how they drank too much in too short a period of time in an effort to get as intoxicated as possible for free. By no means am I innocent of this. I’ve had quite a few forgetful nights during
open bars. Those forgetful nights can lead to a plethora of negative consequences. More than 40 percent of college students report binge drinking, according to a survey by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Some startling statistics are the result of this culture. More than 690,000 students each year are assaulted by another student who has been drinking. About 1,825 students die from alcohol-related injuries. More than 97,000 students are the victims of alcohol-related sexual assault. Tigerland bars that provide free drinks during limited hours contribute to that culture and those statistics. Another startling fact to remember is that Reggie’s bar temporarily shut down in June 2017 after having their license revoked for selling alcohol to underage drinkers. Some of those underage drinkers were as young as 16. The figures provided by the NIAAA only accounted for students between the ages of 18-24. I’m not solely blaming Tigerland for binge drinking at the University. I’m only insisting that the Baton Rouge
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city government consider a ban on open bars in Tigerland. Sure, they allow for great fun, but at what cost? A ban on open bars wouldn’t solve all of the alcohol-related problems students and authorities face, but it would help to some extent. I binge drank frequently during my freshman and sophomore years. I can recall taking shots to the point of blackouts in my dorm on any given night. Today, in my senior year, I’m still feeling those repercussions. I’m working on my unhealthy relationship with alcohol that led to substantial court and lawyer fees, triggered and perpetuated my pre-existing anxiety and depression, demanded I step into the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous and could have easily cost me my life on some occasions. If a ban on open bars could keep even one student from succumbing to the same dark place I have been, then it’ll be worth it. After all, wouldn’t you pay for your bar tab if it meant saving the life of one vulnerable student? Wouldn’t you pay for your bar tab if it meant a fellow Tiger didn’t have to be the victim of alcoholrelated assault?
Open bars encourage binge drinking. We all know the consequences of unhealthy alcohol consumption. Let’s do something about it, even it
means paying to party.
James Smith is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Grand Coteau, Louisiana.
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The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Daily Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
Quote of the Week “Never interrupt someone doing something you said couldn’t be done.”
Amelia Earhart
American Aviation Pioneer July 24, 1897 — Unknown
The Daily Reveille
page 24
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Mental health recovery often over simplified, requires discipline SMITT’S TEA
JAMES SMITH @ITSSMITT I went to my first psychiatry appointment the morning after I spent the night in jail for driving intoxicated. That was the first step in a long journey of my ongoing recovery. Most, if not all, of that recovery is centered around how I cope with the mental illnesses that both initiated and perpetuated my substance abuse. That’s hard work. After that first psychiatry appointment, I was prescribed an antidepressant and a sleeping pill. I take one every morning and every night, respectively. That’s easy enough. I didn’t get better after a month of taking the medications as prescribed. Sure, I was finally sleeping through the night without waking in a panic attack, but depression and anxiety still clouded my thinking on a daily basis. For the sake of transparency, no, I wasn’t staying completely sober either. Real progress didn’t start to happen until I began working with an excellent therapist. It feels incredible to unload all of my troubles onto an
external entity. After every session, I feel as though my mind and spirit have been relieved. But, that relief is always short-lived. What I failed to do, in those first few months of therapy, was employ the strategies my therapist tried to teach me. If I’m feeling particularly down one day, write out five things that made me happy that day. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, go for a run. If I’m feeling like a failure, accomplish one small task. I failed to realize that strengthening the mind is akin to strengthening the body. Rewiring one’s mind to think differently is incredibly challenging work that requires discipline. An amateur runner can’t run a marathon after the first day of training. An individual with a mental illness can’t recover after the first appointment. I had to take the time out of each day to practice what my therapist taught me. My experience with Alcoholics Anonymous paints an even clearer picture of this notion. Battling addiction is by far the most difficult, painful and rewarding experience of my life.
Old-timers would tell me to go to 90 meetings in 90 days. Once I’m comfortable, force myself to share at every meeting. Get a sponsor and work with him. Write down every wrong I’ve ever done. Talk through that list with someone. Identify my character flaws, realize when they manifest and try to correct them. Honestly and thoroughly evaluating my moral catalogue is not a fun task. Looking in the mirror and acknowledging my shortcomings is grueling work, but that’s when I started to see change. I decided to stop waiting to be happy. I realized that my thinking — my depression, anxiety, addiction — is where the problem lies. Correcting that thinking is ongoing work. A runner doesn’t continue to run marathons when training stops. A mental illness doesn’t stay dormant when mental work stops. This doesn’t apply to all cases. For some, taking a pill in the morning will suffice. But for myself and many others, treating mental illnesses takes hard work and discipline. James Smith is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Grand Coteau, Louisiana.
cartoon by ETHAN GILBERTI / The Daily Reveillec